According to Sky Sources, the 26-year-old Fiorentina winger has made it clear that he wants to depart from the Serie A in order to join Premier League table toppers Chelsea before the deadline despite no formal offer being made for his services.

Talking to Sky Sports on a the potential deal, former Sunderland director of football De Fanti believes the player has earned the move to Chelsea and told supporters what they can expect if he signs.

‘’I think that Cuadrado is one of the few starts to still play in Italy,’’ said De Fanti. ‘’It will be a pity as an Italian to see him leave Serie A, but he has reached the kind of level I think where he can make the difference at a top club. He’s got all the qualities you need to play in the Premier League. He’s got pace, strength, speed.

‘’I think he’s at the right age and the buy-out clause to be honest for the numbers which sometimes circulate the Premier League is not exactly ridiculous as well. On the right day, he is a player that can make the difference.’’

The Colombian, who was famed along with James Rodriquez for his impressive World Cup, has been in impressive form this season but looks to be up against it if he is to help his side reach a European placing in the Italian league.

As it stands, with just over half-a-season gone, Fiorentina sit outside the top five - three points off fourth and fifth placed Lazio and Sampdoria, who both sit on 34 points from 20 games.

If Cuadrado was to leave in this transfer window, while it would strengthen Chelsea’s bid for the Premier League title, it would significantly weaken the Florence-based side’s bid Europe. Therefore, it could be argued Chelsea are unlikely to sign the fleet-footed attacker for anything less than release clause price.